“Walk the Alps” Walking Holidays

From the majestic Swiss mountains and Lake Geneva to the ever changing high peaks of Mont Blanc, the Chablais mountains offers some of the best views anywhere in the world. With Chatel and the Abondance Valley situated right at the heart of this area of the Alps it provides the perfect location for walking and hiking holidays.

The mountains here are also full of life and tradition; herds of cattle are driven up to the high pasture for the summer where the local farmers spend the warm summer months working from their alpine chalets. Local wildlife is also ever present in the nature reserve of Mont du Grange.

Whether you are an experienced walker looking for a new challenge in the Alps or a complete beginner our “Walk the Alps” guided & self guided walking holidays may be just what you are looking for. We can cater for all levels of ability and experience and have the flexibility to put together a walking itinerary to suit your needs exactly.

Self Guided Walking

Chatel tourist office and the National Forestry Commission has joined forces to create a network of 90km of signposted paths through the most interesting areas of these mountains. All the paths are well marked and enable you to take a short 1 hour walk to a full day or even several days staying in the mountain refuges.

There are also several "Themed Walks" which have been designed to provide information along the route. The information and topis vary from flora and fauna to water and the mountains plus local terms and dictum. We also have plenty of maps and guide books plus a wealth of local knowledge to guide you.

Guided Walks

Being in the French Alps, the walking can be quite challenging however there are easier valley walks which still offer great views of the surrounding alpine peaks. If you would like to venture further afield or learn a little more about the mountains and surrounding area then a guided walk with a qualified local guide would be ideal.

You can book or join guided walks on any days to suit you during your holiday. With all our guided walks we aim to offer a great alpine walking experience, combining challenge and tranquility in our beautiful valley, high in the French Alps. Our guided walks can generally be split into 3 levels.

Level 1
A gentle mountain walk through alpine meadows and forest. We are surrounded by wildlife and fantastic scenery as we make our way alongside a tumbling mountain stream up to one of the cols from which we can view the north face of the daunting Dents du Midi and perhaps catch a glimpse of the mythical summit pyramid of Mont Blanc. Lunch in a mountain hut, or a picnic in the meadows.
The round trip takes 4-5 hours.

Level 2
An ascent of one of the local peaks. The walk takes us through forest tracks and up an easy ridge, where we may spot chamois and hear the cry of the marmotte in this spectacular nature reserve. The rocky summit provides a perfect picnic place. From the summit we have a view across the whole range of the Western Alps, from Mont Blanc to the Swiss Alps. The ascent takes 3-4 hours and descent a further 2-3 hours.

Level 3
Ascent of a local peak with an overnight stay in a mountain hut. Starting in the afternoon, we climb through the forest to reach one of the many mountain huts in the area. The local guardian provides us with a hearty meal and some wine. Soon tales are being told and stories shared with people in the hut, who may be from all around the world. Don’t expect the best night’s sleep you have ever had, or the most comfortable bed, but a great experience. The following morning we climb one of the local peaks, scrambling up rocky ridges and enjoying the early warmth of the sun on our backs. We reach the summit for a picnic lunch, and then the walk down to a lake, perhaps to bathe tired feet in the pure, cold waters and back to Chatel where the hot tub awaits...
The ascent takes 4-5 hours, and descent 4-5 hours.

Pricing and Accommodation Options

Our guided and self guided walking holidays are available from early June until the end of September. We offer you the flexibility to choose the number of nights you want to stay and the number of walks you would like to do; we will put together an itinerary to suit you.

Staying in Chalet des Arbres, our beautiful mountain chalet in Chatel you have the option of staying on a Bed & Breakfast or Half Board basis. We can also organise guided walks for guests staying in either of our self catered chalets.

	June & September	July & August
Per Person Per Night B&B	£35 (40 €)	£45 (52 €)
7 Nights B&B Per Person	£195 (225 €)	£225 (260 €)
7 Nights Fully Catered	£345 (395 €)	£375 (435 €)

Prices included :

Double / Twin en suite rooms
Bed Linen & Towels
Continental breakfast
6 nights 3 course evening meal inc wine (fully catered option)
Tea and Coffee making facilities
Bathrobes & complimentary toiletries (fully catered option)
Full use of the sauna and hot tub
Free Wi-Fi Internet access
Local tourist taxes

There is a minimum stay of 2 nights during the high season.

Mountain Guide Pricing:

Private hire of guide, ½ day : 35€ per person. Minimum 100€
Private hire of guide, 1 day : 45€ per person. Minimum 160€
2 days with night in a mountain hut: 80€ per person. Minimum 200€

If you fancy trying some other activities whilst staying in Chatel then take a look at our golfing holidays or mountain biking holidays?

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